Could have been started with Kaufmann.

Agree its a rip of Kaufmann, the Comic Sans of of the 1940s & 1950s. Published by various foundries under that name. Also some others including LTC Swing Bold. I even noticed it in an old copy of "From Tenderfoot to King's Scout." For a show about creativity, it's disappointing that the designers at American Idol did not try something more original.
Don